What is Satellite TV

U.S. residential satellite TV receiver dishes

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Satellite TV is a type of broadcasting service that allows the users to receive television signals by means of dish-shaped receiving unit. The television signals are first uploaded to the communication satellite that is electronically scrambled and prevents unauthorized downloading. These signals are received by those who have paid the subscription fee and users are provided with a descrambler and a receiving unit to receive the signals.

The actual tuning procedures are done through cables just like any other cable television services. Satellite TV is preferred more than other broadcasting methods to avoid traditional problems associated with other broadcasting methods. Normally, in traditional methods, the signals are received through the antennas in the user place. The signal is not clear in the traditional method because the signal strength largely depends upon the distance between the antenna and transmitting antennas, also various climatic factors affect the signal. In cable TV system, heavy cabling is done for transmitting proper signals and therefore it is very expensive.

Satellite TV is a better option when compared with these broadcasting services. This service is mostly preferred for its strong signal and also reduces the large amount of cabling. Earlier satellite TV systems had large receiving units. Today, advancements in the technology have reduced the size of the receiving unit and they have become compact in size. Also, these days satellite services are not direction sensitive like those earlier satellite services. The installation procedure is very easy and more economical. The quality of the signal is also greatly improved in the satellite TV services and these services are now introducing the new definition of entertainment.

 

Filed Under: Television Tagged With: , ,

Cable Television in the 1980s

Cable television has grown an unbelievable amount over the last 30 years. When I was a child, my family had cable television before any of my friends did. There were not different rate plans or packages; there was just cable, or no cable.

We had around 13 channels available, and at the time it seemed amazing. I could watch the normal “big 3 stations” like my friends, but we also got access to TBS which showed what seemed to me to be awesome old television shows and great movies. I developed an early love of James Bond and Elvis from watching movie marathons on TBS.

Another station that we had access to was WGN, the Chicago station. I was from Atlanta, and the Braves will always be my team, but Chicago comes in a close second after watching them play throughout the 1980s. WGN also aired Bozo the clown, which was admittedly corny but was still watchable in my youth.

When I was ten years old we got what may have been the greatest television station imaginable to my young self: Nickelodeon. This station was amazing, and I would have watched it 24 hours a day if my parents allowed it. I couldn’t imagine a station that was completely devoted to kids. I could watch cartoons, and comedy shows that were made for kids just like me. And the commercials were as good as the shows. After eight p.m. the station turned into Nick at Night and aired old black and white shows like Mr. Ed and Get Smart.

Today there are hundreds of stations to choose from and I sometimes still can’t find anything to watch. I wish I could see television through the eyes that I had as a child again and truly appreciate all of the programming options.

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Filed Under: General Tagged With:

New Technology

The trend of increasing competition in telecommunications markets has invigorated the development of new technologies and investment in the cable industry. Marketing used to be done on old-fashioned paper, but with everyone wanting to go green and go big, online printing, television marketing, and radio broadcasts have become more popular. This has broadened competitive business options, opened up future directions for cable, and improved customer service.

Over 91 thousand miles of cable plant has been laid in this state. Cable companies continue to modernize their systems with fiber optic cable, providing better system capability and increased channel capacity. Cable programming and services will increasingly be showcased through the continued advancement of other significant technological advancements, such as digital compression, interactive video and high-definition television (HDTV).

The new generation of cable technology, such as modems, digital set tops and Internet telephony, is also moving the cable industry toward greater “interoperability” with other communications technologies. Cable products that work with other communications services will increasingly allow cable customers to shop competitively at retail stores for innovative and reasonably priced products.

CCTA continues to support and showcase efforts to develop cable technologies that improve the value of subscriber services and better position the industry in a competitive environment. In a world where new technologies can impact public policies, CCTA uses its legislative, regulatory and legal expertise to assure that competitive policies include review and discussion of any critical technologies on the horizon.

CableNET®
Each year CCTA presents a major educational exhibit of cable technology at its Western Show convention. CableNET® continues to demonstrate the power of the cable industry’s hybrid fiber coaxial systems and its expanding telecommunications and entertainment applications, as well as the potential for consumer retail sales.

CableLabs®
Supported by cable operators in California, and throughout the nation, CableLabs® was created in 1989 to establish a long-term industry commitment to research and to develop the next-generation cable technologies, such as HDTV and fiber optic transmission systems. CableLabs® cosponsors the annual CableNET® exhibit with CCTA to demonstrate and promote technologies that will increase the integration of cable with computer, consumer electronics and broadcast industries for the benefit of cable consumers.

High Tech Cable
In addition to CCTA members which operate cable systems in the state, there are over 400 “associate members” involved in the development, manufacturing and distribution of software and hardware for the cable industry. As a result of converging and interactive technologies and Internet applications, companies such as @Home Network, WINK Communications, CableData, PowerTV, Inc., and Macrovision Corporation are developing a high tech workforce in California based on cable industry growth.

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Filed Under: Technology, Television Tagged With: , ,